January 17, 2017
Dear ACS Fellows, Members, and Members of Congress,
Many of our Fellows and Members, representing the surgical workforce,
have expressed concern as to what will happen with the current efforts
surrounding health care reform and fear that current programs will be
curtailed without a clear and principled replacement articulated and
debated.
It is essential that we make health care coverage accessible and more
affordable to all Americans. A real opportunity exists to improve the
current system, including lowering insurance costs. We must maintain the
health insurance coverage gains in the number of Americans covered as
we consider alternatives. This is particularly true for socio
economically at-risk populations, including, children, families, and
others. We cannot allow new coverage paradigms to threaten at-risk
populations from accessing surgical services. Without access there
cannot be high quality surgical care. As we consider changes to the
Affordable Care Act, we must not limit services and compromise the
safety net these patients rely upon.
Consistent with these principles, we believe that before any further
action is taken through reconciliation or other means that would
alter coverage, policymakers should outline what will replace the
current policy.
Patients, surgeons, and other key stakeholders must be able to assess
new proposals in order to make informed decisions about the access
provided for care of surgical diseases.
The American College of Surgeons has for over 100 years committed
itself to serve all patients with skill and fidelity. For as long as we
have been engaged with the political system, we have worked at the state
and federal levels and on both sides of the aisle to advocate for our
patients and our members.
The American College of Surgeons 2017 Health Care Reform General Principles Summary,
by which we evaluate policy and what is best for our patients, is
available. It will guide us as health care reform evolves this year. We
are committed to working with Congress and the new administration to
ensure that all patients have access to high quality, affordable health
care coverage and access to a skilled surgeon.
Sincerely,
Courtney M. Townsend, Jr., MD, FACS
ACS President
Michael J. Zinner, MD, FACS
ACS Chair, Board of Regents
David B. Hoyt, MD, FACS
ACS Executive Director
Marshall Z. Schwartz, MD, FACS
Chair, Health Policy Advocacy Group